HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans' road to a third straight AFC South title may be challenging, given how the division improved -- at least on paper -- in the offseason. The good news for the Texans is they will return most of the unit that led the league in total defense in 2016 and will add three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, who missed most of last season because of injury.
But this season the defense needs help on the other side of the ball, mainly from whoever starts at quarterback -- either Tom Savage or rookie Deshaun Watson.
Since I predicted a 9-7 season in April when the schedule came out, there haven't been many major injuries or changes to the teams the Texans will face in 2017. With that in mind, here's a look at how the 2017 season might go:
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 10, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
The Texans, as of now, will have a healthy Watt for their season opener, and he will make a statement that he will play this season like the Watt we have seen in the past. Houston will open at home for the eighth time in nine seasons and start off with a win against the unproven Jaguars. Record: 1-0
Week 2: Thursday, Sept. 14, at Cincinnati Bengals, 8:25 p.m. ET
The Texans have had recent success against the Bengals, winning seven of the last eight times they have played. Houston will have to deal with a short week early in the season, but that shouldn't be a problem. Cincinnati will compete for an AFC playoff spot, and a win over the Bengals on the road would be a big boost for the Texans early. Record: 2-0
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 24, at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET
Between three games in the past two seasons, and a joint practice and a preseason matchup in 2017, the Texans and Patriots have seen a lot of each other. Houston kept it close in the divisional playoff game that ended their season, but the Texans won't get their revenge this time. Houston has lost six straight games at Gillette Stadium, dating to 2006, and that will become seven against the reigning Super Bowl champions. Record: 2-1
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 1, vs. Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET
The Titans almost edged out the Texans for the division crown last season, and they got even better during the offseason through free agency and the NFL draft. But Houston will continue to have success against the AFC South and start 2-0 in the division, although it's unlikely to be easy. Record: 3-1
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 8, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8:30 p.m. ET
The Chiefs are another non-divisional opponent the Texans have seen frequently; this will be the fourth time the teams have played in the past three seasons. The Texans squeaked out a victory in 2016 on the leg of Nick Novak, who kicked four field goals. This could be another close game, and Houston will continue its strong start with a victory. Record: 4-1
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 15, vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET
This could be a very interesting game if Brock Osweiler finds his way on to the field for the Browns and makes his return to NRG Stadium. The Browns are still in a rebuilding mode, and even with first-round picks Myles Garrett and Jabrill Peppers, it won't be enough to beat a playoff team from 2016.
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 29, at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET
The Texans didn't have much success on the road last season, going 2-6, with the victories coming against the Colts and Jaguars. Given the success Seattle has had at CenturyLink Field, it will be tough for the Texans' offense to match quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks' impressive defense. Record: 5-2
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 5, vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET
If the Texans want to keep up their dominance in the division, they need to win these games at home. Last year at NRG Stadium, it took overtime and a late offensive flurry to get the victory over the Colts. This could be a close one, too, as Andrew Luck should be healthy at this point in the season. But the Colts have too many question marks on both sides of the ball, so Houston will pull it out at home. Record: 6-2
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 12, at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m. ET
The Texans will make their second trip to the West Coast in three weeks, but this time, they will bring home a victory. The Rams may be better than their 4-12 record last season, but Houston will come out on top against Jared Goff and an offense that shouldn't cause the Texans' defense too many issues. Record: 7-2
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 19, vs. Arizona Cardinals, 1 p.m. ET
The Cardinals finished under .500 and missed the playoffs last season, but especially given the strength of their schedule in 2017, they have the talent to bounce back. Even though the Texans are home, an athletic Cardinals defense and workhorse running back David Johnson could lead a bit of an upset in Houston. Record: 7-3
Week 12: Monday, Nov. 27, at Baltimore Ravens, 8:30 p.m. ET
Fans of defensive football will love this matchup. Baltimore's defense is one of the best, which means this one will be a low-scoring encounter on Monday Night Football. But on the road, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco will lead Baltimore to a victory. Record: 7-4
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 3, at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET
The Titans have done a lot to improve and close the gap between them and the AFC South champion Texans. A healthy Marcus Mariota -- who missed the teams' Week 17 matchup last season in Nashville -- will beat the Texans at home, taking advantage of those offensive weapons he added during the offseason. Record: 7-5
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 10, vs. San Francisco 49ers, 1 p.m. ET
This could be a game that the Texans' defense shines against the 49ers and former Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer. First-year head coach Kyle Shanahan added some impressive defensive players in this year's draft, but San Francisco is very much rebuilding. It would be a shock for the Texans to lose this game. Record: 8-5
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 17, at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
On paper, the Jaguars took a huge step forward in free agency and the draft and are the most-improved team in the AFC South for the second offseason. But you don't get a banner for winning the offseason. The Texans played two close games against the Jaguars in 2016, squeaking out victories in both contests. They will take both again in 2017, although the matchups will be difficult against a defense that boasts corners Jalen Ramsey and former Texans standout A.J. Bouye. Record: 9-5
Week 16: Monday, Dec. 25, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:30 p.m. ET
This is a game Watt has circled on his calendar after the Steelers drafted his brother T.J. in the first round. J.J.'s looking for family bragging rights, but the excellent Texans defense will have a tough time against Ben Roethlisberger and playmakers like Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell. This will be a huge prime-time game on Christmas Day, and Houston will show it still has some work to do to be among the AFC elite. Record: 9-6
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 31, at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET
The Texans have won at Lucas Oil Stadium two seasons in a row. Houston won't sweep the Colts for the second year in a row, and will end their season with a loss against an Indianapolis team that might be playing to show its value to a new head coach at this point. Record: 9-7